New law expands protections for Alaska Native ivory handicrafts
Signed into lawS. 254Latest action
Sponsor: Dan Sullivan · Senator · AK
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: ARTIST Act
119th Congress
Topics: Family & community
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The ARTIST Act protects Alaska Native handicrafts from marine mammal parts and limits states' power to ban their sale.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This law updates the Marine Mammal Protection Act to clarify rules for Alaska Native handicrafts made from marine mammal parts like walrus ivory and whale teeth. It confirms coastal Alaska Natives can hunt marine mammals for subsistence or traditional handicrafts if not wasteful, sets rules requiring handmade methods without mass-production machines, and allows these goods to be sold across state lines while barring states from banning such sales. Federal officials can impose temporary limits if a species is at risk, but must publicly justify them with evidence, including Indigenous knowledge.
Who does it affect?
Alaska Native artisans, hunters, and communities that produce traditional handicrafts are directly affected, along with state governments and federal wildlife regulators overseeing marine mammal protections.
Why does it matter?
The law restricts state authority over interstate sale of marine mammal ivory and bone products while preserving federal power to restrict hunting if species are found at risk.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govNo call to make
This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 24, 2025
- Senate committee
- Senate vote
- House
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Became Public Law No: 119-99.
Recorded votes
Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.
House · · Roll call 193
As recorded
- Question
- On Motion to and Pass
- Result:
- Passed
- 404
- Nay
- 14
- 0
- 12
Republicans 196 yes, 14 no, 7 not voting · Democrats 207 yes, 5 not voting · Independent 1 yes
Official recordHow members voted
The official record lists how each member voted.Official record